More Letters from Pemberley, 1814-1819: A Novel of Sisters, Husbands, Heirs

This continuation of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' follows Elizabeth Bennet, now Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy and mistress of Pemberley, for another six years to the twilight of the Regency period in 1819. Jane Dawkins has pieced together another literary patchwork quilt into a satisfying and entertaining tale.

Paperback, 247 pages

Published
September 15th 2007
by Sourcebooks Landmark
(first published July 2003)

Community Reviews

Although this book had more emotion than the first in the series, I found it more depressing (though it ended well). I loved the character developement of Elizabeth. Gone is the young Elizbeth Bennett and now we see her matured into Mrs Darcy, mistress of Pemberley. Life has taught her many things and she learns to help others in a way that is beautiful! (SPOILERS ALERT).. Although death touches all of us, do we really want to read about it? Do we want to hear the emotion and feel the pain? I foAlthough this book had more emotion than the first in the series, I found it more depressing (though it ended well). I loved the character developement of Elizabeth. Gone is the young Elizbeth Bennett and now we see her matured into Mrs Darcy, mistress of Pemberley. Life has taught her many things and she learns to help others in a way that is beautiful! (SPOILERS ALERT).. Although death touches all of us, do we really want to read about it? Do we want to hear the emotion and feel the pain? I found myself close to tears when reading this novel (which suggests it was well written I'm sure) but my heart was too raw to process death in its written form. Elizabeth's reflection and comfort offered in letters to others shows us the stages of dealing with grief - anger, resentment, withdrawal and finally acceptance replacing sad emotions with contented memories. Some may appreciate this in literature but I found this too sad.. hence my rating but if you love to read about the sad realities of life and see people rise above the hardships of life than you may enjoy this novel and have given it a higher rating than I did. ...more

More Letters from Pemberley follows Letters from Pemberley, naturally, and is a telling of the lives of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy following their marriage. From the viewpoint of Elizabeth Darcy, these books are a series of letters written to family and friends, showing through Elizabeth's inner heart the life they are living and the love and romance that continues to bloom and struggle.

Letters takes Elizabeth through some of the great joys of her life, and some of its most painful tragediMore Letters from Pemberley follows Letters from Pemberley, naturally, and is a telling of the lives of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy following their marriage. From the viewpoint of Elizabeth Darcy, these books are a series of letters written to family and friends, showing through Elizabeth's inner heart the life they are living and the love and romance that continues to bloom and struggle.

Letters takes Elizabeth through some of the great joys of her life, and some of its most painful tragedies and near tragedies. There's no plot, really- more a series of events that subtly pull together to make a life, in the way only a series of letters can do. And for a plot-oriented reader like me, that was at first bothersome. But I think it was the only way this story could have been successfully told. Almost completely without my conscious awareness, I got pulled into the intimacy of Elizabeth's deepest thoughts and most private emotions and was hooked.

There are so many Jane Austen spin-offs these days. In a way I'm surprised I picked this one up, but it was well worth the read. ...more

Ugh. What a boring, hackneyed, tedious wreck of a novel. How a writer as terrible as Jane Dawkins even gets into print is beyond me. Not only is her description of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life incredibly dull (and immeasurably unoriginal), but she writes in a stilted, vague, unpleasant style which grated on my nerves for the entire book.

Here's a hint, Ms. Dawkins: do not captalize words like Cousin, Sister, and Husband. It is inaccurate. It is affected. If you say, "Come here, Cousin," itUgh. What a boring, hackneyed, tedious wreck of a novel. How a writer as terrible as Jane Dawkins even gets into print is beyond me. Not only is her description of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life incredibly dull (and immeasurably unoriginal), but she writes in a stilted, vague, unpleasant style which grated on my nerves for the entire book.

Here's a hint, Ms. Dawkins: do not captalize words like Cousin, Sister, and Husband. It is inaccurate. It is affected. If you say, "Come here, Cousin," it makes sense. If you say, "Yesterday my Cousin and I made jam," it's wrong. It's just wrong. It is so incredibly affected that my head hurts just thinking about it.

When (spoiler! but it's not as though this wasn't foreshadowed for the whole book) their daughter dies (what's her name, Bonnie? No, that's "Gone With the Wind"), I just didn't care. It was an unconvincing portrayal of grief.

Bottom line: Jane Dawkins cannot write a decent sentence to save her life. Bottommost line: This trash is worthless....more

I read the first book in Dawkins series of sequels, Letters From Pemberley, over a year ago. In that review, I wished the book would have "allowed me to be privy to Jane Bingley’s, nee Bennet, letters to Elizabeth rather than just Elizabeth to Jane. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth responses to her sister’s letters but often times, I had wished that I could see exactly what Elizabeth was responding to."

My feelings and wishes have not changed.

Part of the problem with More Letters From Pemberley, aI read the first book in Dawkins series of sequels, Letters From Pemberley, over a year ago. In that review, I wished the book would have "allowed me to be privy to Jane Bingley’s, nee Bennet, letters to Elizabeth rather than just Elizabeth to Jane. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth responses to her sister’s letters but often times, I had wished that I could see exactly what Elizabeth was responding to."

My feelings and wishes have not changed.

Part of the problem with More Letters From Pemberley, and the whole series of sequels for that matter, is that they really don't give the reader the whole picture of what's going on; you're only privy to what Elizabeth decides to share with you, and she honestly isn't the greatest of a letter writer. There isn't much detail, and with this book spanning five years from 1814 to 1819, there are a tremendous amount of gaps and holes in the story line.

The characters are also much more concerned with having babies; although I do realize this was a widespread fear amongst women back then, that's what the entirety of More Letters From Pemberley is focused upon. The story just lacks excitement and the death of a child and loss of consciousness are just tired, old recycled plot lines....more

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. The story picks up where the previous one left off, in 1814 and follows Elizabeth and Darcy for another 6 years. The letters are written by Elizabeth to her sister Jane, her Aunt Gardiner, and Charlotte Lucas, among others. In this story, Elizabeth has matured and grown in her roles as wife, mother and mistress of Pemberley.

The story has more drama in it, but birth and death are a part of life and, for the most part, I felt the situations createI enjoyed this book much more than the first one. The story picks up where the previous one left off, in 1814 and follows Elizabeth and Darcy for another 6 years. The letters are written by Elizabeth to her sister Jane, her Aunt Gardiner, and Charlotte Lucas, among others. In this story, Elizabeth has matured and grown in her roles as wife, mother and mistress of Pemberley.

The story has more drama in it, but birth and death are a part of life and, for the most part, I felt the situations created here were plausible. Darcy's accident was a bit overly dramatic, but not distracting. No one can replace Jane Austen, and no one can recreate the voice of Elizabeth Bennet. However, this is a charming book and very easy read. I think it might have been richer, if we could have read the responses to Elizabeth's letters.

My only complaint is the same one I had with the first book. Jane Dawkins thought it would be interesting to incorporate some of Austen's other characters into both novels. All have different names and I found it confusing and distracting. With some, it was obvious as who they were supposed to be, but with others is was more annoying. Again, a cute idea that fell flat.

A decent continuation of Dawkins' previous book, Letters from Pemberley. I like the portrayal of Elizabeth, seeing how she grows over the years covering in the book, and especially liked her comment at the end that she would scarcely recognize Elizabeth Bennet any more.

I did notice one thing -- at one point, Elizabeth mentions Kitty taking an extended trip to Derbyshire, staying alternately with Jane or Elizabeth, and saying something about Kitty being with Elizabeth during her lying-in in FebrA decent continuation of Dawkins' previous book, Letters from Pemberley. I like the portrayal of Elizabeth, seeing how she grows over the years covering in the book, and especially liked her comment at the end that she would scarcely recognize Elizabeth Bennet any more.

I did notice one thing -- at one point, Elizabeth mentions Kitty taking an extended trip to Derbyshire, staying alternately with Jane or Elizabeth, and saying something about Kitty being with Elizabeth during her lying-in in February. However, there is no further mention of the pregnancy, be it a miscarriage or live birth. It just kind of sits there, something that got missed in editing perhaps?

Otherwise, a decent book. Dawkins really tried to portray an early nineteenth century life, with all the joys and tragedies that came with it, and did a pretty good job....more

Corinne CheongI noticed that bit about the Febuary-lying-in too! I couldn't make sense of it and kept going back to see if I'd missed something. Like you, I figuredI noticed that bit about the Febuary-lying-in too! I couldn't make sense of it and kept going back to see if I'd missed something. Like you, I figured there must've been a miscarriage...but wondered, 'wouldn't Lizzy have found it an important and devastating occurrence and include it in one of her letters to her sister and/or aunt?'...more
May 29, 2012 10:02AM

I read More Letters from Pemberley almost two years after reading Dawkins other book Letters from Pemberley: The First Year. Though still impressed with how Dawkins maintained the Regency style of writing throughout, the sequel did not impress me as much as her first book of letters did.

However, I did enjoy how Dawkins evolved the lives of Darcy and Lizzy, giving them children and nephews and nieces to carry on the Darcy name. I also throughly enjoyed the fact that she allowed them to have sorroI read More Letters from Pemberley almost two years after reading Dawkins other book Letters from Pemberley: The First Year. Though still impressed with how Dawkins maintained the Regency style of writing throughout, the sequel did not impress me as much as her first book of letters did.

However, I did enjoy how Dawkins evolved the lives of Darcy and Lizzy, giving them children and nephews and nieces to carry on the Darcy name. I also throughly enjoyed the fact that she allowed them to have sorrows in their lives - I have come across only a handful of authors that allow for this in their writing, and for that, I am thankful.

Overall, I rather liked this book and it is good if (like me) you enjoy HF or you are just looking for something to pass the time until your next anticipated read lands on your doorstep! ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.I did enjoy this sequel to 'Letters From Pemberley". The events were for the most part plausible. I thought perhaps Darcy's riding accident was more for dramatic effect.

The problem with the letter writing format for me is that I don't get as engaged in the events, sometimes I feel as though I'm just reading a synopsis of the events that are taking place. It was hard to 'feel' the anguish Lizzy must have been feeling at points.

I think that author had the characterizations of Mrs. Bennet and LydiaI did enjoy this sequel to 'Letters From Pemberley". The events were for the most part plausible. I thought perhaps Darcy's riding accident was more for dramatic effect.

The problem with the letter writing format for me is that I don't get as engaged in the events, sometimes I feel as though I'm just reading a synopsis of the events that are taking place. It was hard to 'feel' the anguish Lizzy must have been feeling at points.

I think that author had the characterizations of Mrs. Bennet and Lydia well-figured out, but then, those two aren't terribly complex.

As before the other non-Pride and Prejudice characters were for the most part just thinly disguised renditions of the characters from other Jane Austen novels. Some people might like figuring out who's who, others might find it irritating.

A second novel that is a nice continuation of Pride and Prejudice in the form of letters from Elizabeth Darcy to various people, not just to her sister, Jane Bingley, as in Dawkins's first novel. In this book Dawkins put in some realistic life problems that tended to not occur in Austen's work. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy loose their 1 year old daughter to an unknown illness. I did enjoy the part where the Bingleys and the Darcys come up with an excellent idea on dealing with the Wickhams anA second novel that is a nice continuation of Pride and Prejudice in the form of letters from Elizabeth Darcy to various people, not just to her sister, Jane Bingley, as in Dawkins's first novel. In this book Dawkins put in some realistic life problems that tended to not occur in Austen's work. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy loose their 1 year old daughter to an unknown illness. I did enjoy the part where the Bingleys and the Darcys come up with an excellent idea on dealing with the Wickhams and the Wickham's propensity for financial problems. I thought Dawkins portrayal of Mrs. Bennet to be a bit unfair.

It is my understanding that sequels to Pride and Prejudice tend to be written as modern romance novels... This book is not a Romance Novel....more

Interesting reading, what it definitely does it that I have bigger mood for writting letters or reviews and my use of words is slightly different.... and I think I like it :-)

It's interesting account of what could happen to Lizzy Bennet now Mrs. Darcy at Pemberley and I like that author chose the style of letters to her loved ones. Would prefer more story as sometimes gaps between letters were big on other hand it added to autenticity that in those days post wasn't that quick. Very enjoyable accInteresting reading, what it definitely does it that I have bigger mood for writting letters or reviews and my use of words is slightly different.... and I think I like it :-)

It's interesting account of what could happen to Lizzy Bennet now Mrs. Darcy at Pemberley and I like that author chose the style of letters to her loved ones. Would prefer more story as sometimes gaps between letters were big on other hand it added to autenticity that in those days post wasn't that quick. Very enjoyable account of several years at the end of Regency era and I'm glad I read it. Except fun of learning more about Darcys' got better glimpse into world in those years.

This book imagines the continuation of the Darcy/Bennett story from Letters from Pemberly. Elizabeth writes letters to Jane about the people she meets in the neighborhood as well as the events that go on after the wedding. The events are plausible and in keeping with the original story, but for the most part, not very interesting. The author places other Austen characters in the neighborhood under other names. This felt contrived (and who would imagine Emma Woodhouse friends with Elizabeth BenneThis book imagines the continuation of the Darcy/Bennett story from Letters from Pemberly. Elizabeth writes letters to Jane about the people she meets in the neighborhood as well as the events that go on after the wedding. The events are plausible and in keeping with the original story, but for the most part, not very interesting. The author places other Austen characters in the neighborhood under other names. This felt contrived (and who would imagine Emma Woodhouse friends with Elizabeth Bennett). I think I should stick with the original (and the BBC)....more

Most books that try to tell us what happened to Jane Austen's characters after the end of her books fall way short. They bring in conversation and incidents that Austen would not have written, such as explicit sex. This book gave a plausible story to what might have happened to the Darcy's and their friends and family. The writer admits that she wrote about some incidents such as death and illness that Austen would not have written about. But I think she got the "feeling of Austen". I enjoyed thMost books that try to tell us what happened to Jane Austen's characters after the end of her books fall way short. They bring in conversation and incidents that Austen would not have written, such as explicit sex. This book gave a plausible story to what might have happened to the Darcy's and their friends and family. The writer admits that she wrote about some incidents such as death and illness that Austen would not have written about. But I think she got the "feeling of Austen". I enjoyed the story very much...more

This book shows Elizabeth growing and becoming a mature (tho' still young) woman while she survives life's trials and tribulations. Several of these letters were very well written and made me sob out loud. I now want to know more about the author. Save this book for when you are in need of a good cry.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This book was slightly more interesting than the first volume, in part because Dawkins creates more story for Elizabeth and spends less time with the characters she borrowed from other Austen novels. There is, however, too much drama--I can understand Elizabeth losing a child, but Darcy's accident is just too much, especially because nothing much seems to happen to any other members of her family.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.She should have stopped with the first one. She stretched her voice a bit far and branched out into correspondence with other people; plus the family issues: birth of 3 children, death of one, Mr. Darcy's medical issues, the marriage of Kitty and Mary, Lydia's continued idiocy, took us beyond expected Lizzy-ness. Quick read, took me about an hour. She still has Lizzy's voice fairly accurately, though.

Generally speaking, I am a sucker for a P&P "sequel", of sorts. This was a disappointment--Austen's Lizzie has a richer, stronger character and exudes confidence. Some of these letters simply aren't Lizzie. For example, she is much too straightforward to not confide her concerns about fitting in at Netherfield to her beloved Darcy. And the inconsistencies go on from there.

Cleverly written letters from Elizabeth to various friends and family. It tells the story of their lives beautifully through 5 years - and some terrible events. The first is the death of their second daugther who aged only 1 year 7 months and then a serious illness by Darcy. I could not be happy until I completed this book in only one day.

If you are a Jane Austen fan, this is a must read. Mr. & Mrs. Darcy are back...... A quick and easy read that catches you up what is going on in the Darcy household and many other Jane Austen characters find their way into this book. If you have read the Jane Austen works and are craving more this will help fill you up.

One of the things that I love about Pride and Prejudice is the banter between the characters, especially Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In the book she had spunk which I really appreciate. This was obviously a collection of letters and I thought it was boring and didn't capture the spirit of Elizabeth's personality.

I did so enjoy this book a lot better then the first one. This version was more lively so to speak and informative. Yes there were some sad points but that is part of life. This one flowed easier. I did not want to put this book down unlike the first one that I struggled with.

A super quick read and it's delightful for anyone who's a Pride & Prejudice fan. This continues from the first book, which I've also read, and it's Lizzy's letters sent to Jane, friends, and other relatives. Immensely satisfying if you'd like to continue their story.

Another book I started thinking I had read the first one and really liked it, but realized I hadn't read the first book, not sure if I will get to it though because I didn't finish reading the first book because it didn't have the same feel for Elizabeth.

Kay, Mr. Darcy's Diary was better. It took awhile to get into this book. In fact, I forgot to finish reading it (which rarely happens), so ...But I didn't read the "Letters from Pemberly", so maybe it would've been a little better with that?

This is the Sequel to Letters from Pemberley...obviously! :) It was ok! I wasn't glued to it like most things that I have to do with Pride and Prejudice...I am really becoming a freak art I? Oh well!! I enjoyed it though, it was a good read!

Not as good as the first one since this deals with a larger timeframe (several years) as opposed to just the first year. More letters written by Elizabeth to her sister Jane but you get to read how they both grow as wives and mothers.

I love Pride and Prejudice. And love to read more about those characters. Not so much in these letters those. Elizabeth already has her Mr. Darcy so I guess the magic isn't as great. Quick read though. Just not very substantial.